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Old Colony Elder Services Offers Tips for Family Caregivers During the Holiday Season

According to the Family Caregiver Alliance-National Center on Caregiving, 29 percent of the U.S. adult population cares for someone who is ill, disabled or aged.* The National Alliance for Caregiving reports that there are approximately 66 million unpaid caregivers providing chronic and long-term care to family members.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, shares essential tips with family caregivers to help them through the busy, and often stressful, holiday season:

Be kind to yourself.  Caregiving can be very hard work; take time to appreciate the loving care you provide.  Know that every day you are doing the best you can.

Take care of yourself.  Make and keep your own doctor’s appointments and other appointments that help to keep you well.

Remember to ask for help.  People will often be happy to assist if they know what is needed; Caregivers need a break too.

Reach out to others for professional support if needed.

Set limits for what you are able to do; no one can do everything.

The best decisions are joint decisions. When possible, include the person for whom you are caring in matters that will affect him or her.  This helps to reduce conflict and can lead to better outcomes.

Do your best to remain optimistic. This will help to lift everyone’s mood.  When difficulties arise, know that this too, shall pass.

“The majority of caregivers are family caregivers – spouses, daughters or sons caring for aging loved ones or those with chronic or disabling health conditions. The typical family caregiver often juggles caregiving with the responsibilities of a full-time job and a family,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES. “Family caregivers are at significant risk for burnout, and that risk increases during the holiday season. It is imperative that they take care of themselves, so they remain physically and emotionally healthy while they provide essential caregiving services.”

Caregiver Appreciation Brunch

In recognition and appreciation of family caregivers, OCES held a Caregiver Brunch at OCES last month for caregivers who participated in the Powerful Tools for Caregivers workshops. Each caregiver who participated in OCES’ Family Caregiver Support group was presented with a proclamation scroll signed by Governor Deval Patrick, as well as a $25 gift card and a cooking/caregiving book. Caregivers were also able to network with one another and share commonalities of their caregiver experiences.

OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program can assist caregivers in locating resources to help them including local support groups.  In addition, the Healthy Living Department at OCES offers workshops on many aspects of self-care. For more information about these programs and others, contact OCES at (508) 584-1561 or visit www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 190 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

*The National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP (2009), Caregiving in the U.S. National Alliance for Caregiving. Washington, DC. – Updated: November 2012.

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Between Rounds Rolls Out Giant Party Bagel for Holiday Celebrations

Between RoundsBetween Rounds, the unique bakery café and bagel shop with locations throughout Connecticut has rolled out their Giant Party Bagel, just in time for holiday celebrations.

Perfect for holiday and office parties, New Year’s Eve gatherings, birthdays and football games, Between Rounds’ Giant Party Bagel is sure to please everyone.

The Giant Party Bagel is a two-pound bagel comprised of a delicious selection of fresh premium Boar’s Head brand deli-meats and cheeses, and completed with a garlic bagel chip-filled center.  The Giant Party Bagel may be created in custom designed shapes and logos to make an event extra special.  The Giant Party Bagel is sliced into 16 pieces.

According to Between Rounds founder Jerry Puiia, “We have the ability to shape the bagel into your desired design.  Our mouth-watering Giant Party Bagels make it easy to satisfy a hungry crowd.”

The Giant Party Bagel “rounds out” Between Rounds catering services. Whether it’s a small get-together or a large corporate event, Between Rounds Catering can help take the stress out of event planning. Delivery is available and corporate accounts are available.

Delicious Holiday Treats and Gifts

Between Rounds unique giftware
Between Rounds unique giftware

New this season – Between Rounds offers decadent Peppermint Hot Chocolate and White Chocolate Coffee, which pair well with the bakery’s bagels, muffins and other sweet treats.

Between Rounds offers holiday wrapped Cookie Platters and holiday giftware including mugs, ornaments, frames and more. Gift cards are also available.

About Between Rounds

Founded in 1990, Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café is a unique bakery café and bagel shop renowned for their fresh, baked-on site bagels and baked goods as well sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, specialty coffee and a unique line of giftware.  Between Rounds offers patrons an upscale, fast-casual dining experience with free Wi-Fi and the added convenience of a drive-thru window.

Between Rounds’ current locations include South Windsor, Vernon, Manchester and Tolland.  Corporate headquarters are located at 19A John Fitch Blvd, Route 5 in South Windsor, CT.  Between Rounds is expanding and franchise opportunities are available.

For more information about Between Rounds, visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

 

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Wet basement protection 101

Sandy aftermath 10-31-12 (lo Res).
After Sandy

AVON, MA…

Winter is almost here. In many parts of the U.S. that means snow, rain and combinations of the two. For homeowners in those areas that happen to be near a coastal zone, that can also mean basement flooding. While you may not be able to fight Mother Nature, there are steps to mitigate potential flooding.

“For our flooring customers who have flooding issues, we recommend a proactive approach to stopping basement flooding,” said Thomas Ricciardelli, president of SelecTech, Inc., a leader in the manufacture of innovative flooring products from recycled materials. “That can start with simple things like installing gutters and down spouts that move water away from basement walls.”

Beyond simple steps like gutters, homeowners should have flooding devices such as a sump pump or back flow valve to keep water from backing up. For more serious basement flooding situations, homeowners should consider installing a sump pit drainage system.

A sump pit drainage system includes a sump pit, a sump pump, and a discharge pipe. The sump pit, set into the basement floor, collects water from the weeping tiles around your basement. The pump pushes the water outside your house through the discharge pipe. The sump pump discharge pipe should be far enough away from the house so that it drains somewhere onto your property where water can be absorbed—and not drain back into the house—such as the lawn or flowerbed.

“The other part of being proactive about basement flooding is having flooring that can withstand occasional moisture and is easy to clean,” said Ricciardelli. “Our FreeStyle flooring is one that’s been particularly effective for homeowners with basements in coastal zones, even though it was originally designed for commercial use.”

After the clean up
After the clean up

Adds Ricciardelli, “One customer from Staten Island installed FreeStyle flooring in their basement just prior to Hurricane Sandy. The flooring not only survived being under five feet of water, but having sheetrock stuck to it. To look at it now, you never would know it.”

SelecTech flooring employs a patented, interlocking flooring technology that installs directly on top of existing flooring—the no messy adhesives. So when weather events like Sandy cause flooding, clean-up is as simple as pumping out the water, removing the tiles, powerwashing them and reinstalling after both the tiles and basement floor dries.

FreeStyle tiles are made from 70 percent recycled materials and are 100 percent recyclable. Other features include: waterproof, anti-microbial chemical and stain-resistant composition; 20-mil wear layer with urethane/no wax finish; stays in place under 550 p.s.i. point loads; low noise; excellent underfoot; ADA slip-resistant compliant; and more. FreeStyle flooring comes with a 10-year commercial wear warranty.

To learn more about SelecTech products, including the FreeStyle and FreeStyle BioLock flooring products, visit http://www.selectechinc.com.

About SelecTech, Inc.

SelecTech, Inc. was founded in 1993 with the mission of creating valuable products from scrap plastics. The company has become a leader in the manufacture of flooring products from recycled materials and uses one million pounds of recycled materials annually. Their products are made with up to 100 percent recycled content, are 100 percent recyclable and installed without adhesives making them some of the “greenest” and most cost-effective flooring products available. The unique interlock system on SelecTech’s flooring products enable them to be installed at a much lower cost, without a lot of costly downtime, which provides significant value to customers.

Using state-of-the-art technology and innovative product design, SelecTech created the top performing Place N’ Go residential flooring products, which are available at Home Depot. They are also the creators of the renowned commercial and industrial FreeStyle, FreeStyle ESD and StaticStop ESD flooring lines.

SelecTech is a vendor partner of Health Care Institute, an International Facility Management Association (IFMA) alliance partner. The company is headquartered at 33 Wales Avenue, Suite F in Avon, MA. For more information about SelecTech, visit http://www.selectechinc.com.

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Winters Home Services Appoints Molly Chen as Marketing Coordinator

Molly Chen
Molly Chen

Winters Home Services, one of the largest providers of plumbing, heating, cooling and air quality services to residents throughout the greater Boston area, has recently appointed Molly Chen as Marketing Coordinator.

In her new role, Ms. Chen will coordinate all marketing efforts and oversee administrative staff and vendors. She will be primarily responsible for marketing and advertising campaign development, budgeting, sales forecasting, data research and compilation.

Ms. Chen is a 2013 graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. Prior to joining Winters Home Services, Ms. Chen was employed as an Administrative Assistant at Comark, LLC of Medfield.

She has served as an advertising intern for The Marble Collection in Lakeville as well as a viral marketing intern at Arts Promo in Shutesbury. Prior to that, Ms. Chen was a Customers Service Representative at UMass Amherst Financial Aid Services for four years.

“Molly will direct our marketing efforts and ensure they support our mission. Molly’s knowledge, attention to detail and ability to coordinate a number of projects simultaneously make her a great fit for our team,” Tim Flynn, president of Winters Home Services.

About Winters Home Services

Founded in 1994, Winters Home Services is an award-winning service company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in plumbing, heating, cooling, drain cleaning and air quality services. Offering 24-hour emergency services and lifetime guarantees on many of their services, the company focuses on high quality workmanship and consistent world-class customer service. Winters Home Services promises to fulfill the needs of every customer with a sense of urgency, ensuring comfort, safety and well-being.

Winters Home Services is one of the largest residential plumbing companies in the greater Boston-area with 20 trucks on the road and a full staff of licensed and insured plumbers and technicians. For more information, call (617) 776-5950 or visit wintershomeservices.com.

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Is Your Home Ready for Winter? Winters Home Services Advises Homeowners to Check Furnace, Hot Water Heater, Sump Pump

DSC06078 smallThe Old Farmer’s Almanac has predicted that it’s going to be another extremely cold winter with above-normal snowfall. Winters Home Services, an award-winning provider of plumbing, heating, cooling, and air quality services to residents throughout the greater Boston area, advises homeowners to get their home systems tuned-up and ready for winter.

“During the recent Nor’easter, we received over 300 calls in a 24-hour period from customers without heat or hot water, flooding and sump pumps not working,” said Winters owner Tim Flynn, a master plumber with 20 years in the business and 60,000 happy customers. “The best way to avoid a home system emergency, such as no heat, is by having routine system check-ups and maintenance.”

Flynn offers these tips:

Have a professional home systems inspection and tune-up. Homeowners expect their heating systems to work 24/7, yet they never have them inspected. An out of tune heating system works harder, wastes energy and actually costs more to run. Annual inspection and maintenance of home systems is imperative. During the tune-up, filters are changed and all is inspected to ensure the systems are working at their optimum so that you are not left without heat and in need of emergency service.

The same goes for the hot water heater. Have it inspected to ensure that it’s in good working order. If it’s 10 or more years old, consider replacing it. Some signs that it needs to be repaired or replaced: hot water that doesn’t last long or fails to maintain a consistent temperature; leaking under the tank; corrosion or rust on the tank; and strange noises coming from your water heater. Consider replacing your traditional storage water heater with a Tankless Water Heater, which will ensure immediate delivery of hot water when you need it and provide significant water and energy savings.

If you have a sump pump, get it inspected every year to ensure that it works when you need it most. Not sure if you need a sump pump? If you have had minor basement flooding on occasion, discuss it with your plumber who can advise you of your options.

Finish the fall clean up.  Before it snows, inspect vents and chimneys to make sure they are unobstructed. Clear leaves and vines; prune shrubs and plants so they do not block vents.  When it snows, make sure to check that your vent is not blocked by snow and keep it clear. You don’t want anything to block the exhaust, which can cause carbon monoxide to back up into the home as well as trigger heating system shut-off or malfunction.

Take advantage of technology. Monitor, measure and control your home systems with Winters’ state-of-the-art CarePlus Home Monitoring program enables homeowners to monitor, measure and access the most important systems – from water sensors (which can detect leaks and usage), home energy meters, and carbon monoxide detectors to thermostats, lights, door locks and more- through any Smart device. It’s one of the easiest ways to monitor your home systems, conserve energy and maximize savings.

According to Flynn, “Essentially, CarePlus provides home automation and monitoring to ensure the optimal operation and safety of home systems and the maximum in energy savings, backed by ‘first-in-line’ service and accountability that only a local company can provide. At the first sign of trouble, such as a leak or significant temperature change, a damage prevention alert is sent to the homeowner’s Smart device. The homeowner can then resolve the issue through their Smart device or call in our team to fix the problem before it becomes a catastrophe.”

Winters offers three different CarePlus plans for greater peace of mind. All plans include at least two annual visits from Winters, where 137 heating, cooling and plumbing items are checked, along with check-ups on all monitoring devices without additional costs.

For more helpful plumbing and heating tips, or to learn about the CarePlus Home Monitoring program, visit wintershomeservices.com.

About Winters Home Services

Founded in 1994, Winters Home Services is an award-winning service company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in plumbing, heating, cooling, drain cleaning and air quality services. Offering the first-to-market CarePlus Home Monitoring Program and lifetime guarantees on many of their services, the company focuses on high quality workmanship and consistent world-class customer service. Winters Home Services promises to fulfill the needs of every customer with a sense of urgency, ensuring comfort, safety and well-being.

Winters Home Services is one of the largest residential plumbing companies in the greater Boston-area with a large fleet on the road and a full staff of licensed and insured plumbers and technicians.

Dedicated to supporting the community, Winters is a sponsor of the Duckling Day Parade annual Mother’s Day event and a partner of the Friends of the Public Garden, a non-profit organization that works to protect and improve Boston’s first public parks: the Boston Common, Public Garden, and Commonwealth Avenue Mall. The company is an ongoing supporter of events at Club Café.

For more information, call 866-482-7586 or visit wintershomeservices.com.

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New Supportive Housing Program Launched at Southfield in Plymouth

(L to R) OCES Executive Director Diana DiGiorgi; Plymouth Housing Authority Executive Director Dede Riendeau; Elder Affairs Secretary Ann Hartstein; Department of Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Aaron Gornstein; OCES Community Programs Director Nicole Long.
(L to R) OCES Executive Director Diana DiGiorgi; Plymouth Housing Authority Executive Director Dede Riendeau; Elder Affairs Secretary Ann Hartstein; Department of Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Aaron Gornstein; OCES Community Programs Director Nicole Long.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, joined Patrick Administration officials, local leaders, and Plymouth Housing Authority representatives for a ribbon cutting ceremony last week at Southfield, located at 105 South Street, Plymouth, MA.

Southfield is part of the 10 new Massachusetts Supportive Housing Program sites funded by the Patrick Administration to help people “age in place”. The Massachusetts Supportive Housing Program, a collaboration of the Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) and the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), is available in 41 senior public housing locations statewide, and serves 6,360 senior residents. OCES received funding from the EOEA to launch the Supportive Housing Program in Plymouth.

OCES and the Plymouth Housing Authority work collaboratively, providing an “assisted living” environment, with an on-site service coordinator as well as access to 24-hour/daily on-call assistance for residents who prefer to “age in place,” connected to family, friends, and community.

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES, and the ribbon cutting ceremony host, said, “We are thrilled with this opportunity to provide supportive services to the 60 Southfield residents and 250 others at the four additional Plymouth sites. This program is a high-quality, cost-effective approach to assisting residents who want to remain in their homes.”

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 190 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

 

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Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café Supports Vernon VNA Holiday Tree Lighting

(L to R) Janet Gallugi of the VNA stands with Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café's Michelle Harding, Assistant Manager, Kim Sears, Manager, and Jerry Puiia, co-owner during the "The Tree of Life" memorial Tree Lighting ceremony.
(L to R) Janet Gallugi of the VNA stands with Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café’s Michelle Harding, Assistant Manager, Kim Sears, Manager, and Jerry Puiia, co-owner during the “The Tree of Life” memorial Tree Lighting ceremony.

The Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) of Vernon recently held their memorial Tree Lighting Ceremony to remember and honor those who have passed away, as well as those who are or have served in the armed forces, and those who are struggling with illness or adversity.

In support of this event, Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café, the unique bakery café and bagel shop with locations in Vernon, South Windsor, Manchester and Tolland, provided the cookies for all to enjoy at this event.

The tree lighting ceremony is held each holiday season and is a fundraiser for the VNA. Proceeds go towards the VNA’s home health and community outreach programs.

“The VNA provides essential home health services, clinics and support groups for the community and it’s an honor to be part of this event,” noted Jerry Puiia, co-owner of Between Rounds.

Dedicated to supporting the community, Between Rounds sponsors and supports a number of other organizations and non-profits including the Rockville Little League and Food Pantries throughout the area.

About Between Rounds

Founded in 1990, Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café is a unique bakery café and bagel shop renowned for their fresh, baked-on site bagels and baked goods as well sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, specialty coffee and a unique line of giftware.  Between Rounds offers patrons an upscale, fast-casual dining experience with free Wi-Fi and the added convenience of a drive-thru window. Between Rounds is expanding and franchise opportunities are available. Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café has been named a Military Friendly Franchise®, which places in an elite group and is testimony to the company’s commitment to supporting military veterans interested in franchise opportunities.

Between Rounds’ current locations include South Windsor, Vernon, Manchester and Tolland.  Corporate headquarters are located at 19A John Fitch Blvd, Route 5 in South Windsor, CT.  For more information about Between Rounds franchise opportunities or to inquire about wholesale bagels at grocery stores, contact (860) 291-0323 or visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

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Marketing – The Ultimate Frontier. 2-Part Workshop offered by Cranberry Country Chamber of Commerce and Cranberry Institute.

Bulb oneMany business owners have a New Year’s Resolution to finally launch a consistent and cost-effective marketing campaign. In recognition of that admirable goal, the Cranberry Country Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Cranberry Institute and sponsor Rockland Trust, announce a 2-part workshop “Marketing – The Ultimate Frontier”.

The first session will run January 14 from 9 a.m. to noon and the second will commence on January 28 from 9 a.m. to noon. Both sessions will take place at the Boston Tavern, 58 E Grove St, Middleboro, MA.

Session one features industry expert Tracy Fernandes of Just In Advertising who will focus on branding and how to enhance marketing materials. She will be joined by Steve Dubin of PR Works who will outline Guerilla Marketing and public relations that utilize low cost and hands on approach to moving the marketing needle.

Session two includes Todd Philie of Southcoast Marketing Group who will emphasize the benefits of social media and how it ties into your website through design and functionality. Kevin McNally of Interactive Palette will review the importance of website development and tools that help your reach targeted customers. Topics will include tips and tricks with Google Analytics, key words and design.

Cost for Chamber members is $94 and $125 for non-members. Seating is limited and reservations can be made at www.CranberryCountry.org or by calling Itamar Chalif, 508-280-7510.

The premier sponsor is Rockland Trust. The Cranberry Institute for Better Business is a new initiative by the Cranberry Country Chamber of Commerce dedicated to providing affordable education for business owners and leaders by industry experts. A full slate of events will be announced in the near future.

The Cranberry Country Chamber of Commerce serves represents the towns of Middleboro, Lakeville, Raynham, Bridgewater, Plympton, Halifax, Carver, Wareham, and Rochester. The Chamber is located at 40 North Main Street Suite G, Middleborough, MA 02346. For more information, please visit www.CranberryCountry.org or call 508-947-1499.

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Susan Molinari joins Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C.

Susan Molinari, Esq.

BOSTON, BRAINTREE AND QUINCY, MA…

Canton resident Susan Molinari was recently hired as an attorney by Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C., a dynamic full-service law firm with a team of attorneys advising individuals, businesses and families throughout Quincy, Braintree, the South Shore and metro Boston areas.

Molinari previously worked for the Firm as an Attorney 1999 to 2012. She returns to Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. after working as the associate director of career services at New England Law. In her return to the Firm, Molinari will specialize in complex litigation cases, trials and appeals in the areas of business and commercial litigation, criminal defense, consumer protection, probate litigation, and zoning appeals.

“It’s absolutely wonderful to have Susan back with us,” said Paul Barbadoro, a partner at the Firm. He added, “She brings a breadth of experience to the table with civil cases and probate, which will not only benefit our clients but help in mentoring our younger attorneys.”

Molinari received her juris doctorate from New England School of Law.  She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Providence College. Prior to her initial tenure with the Firm, Molinari worked for the Massachusetts Department of Social Services as a social worker.

Molinari was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in 1999. She’s also a member of the United States District Court, District of Massachusetts, admitted in 2000. A member of the Boston Bar Association, Molinari also volunteers legal services at Riverside Community Care in Dedham, MA.

Said Molinari, “With apologies to Thomas Wolfe, you can go home again. Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. is where I began my career as a lawyer. It’s great to come back and see some familiar faces and many new ones. I’m looking forward to my ‘second’ career at the Firm.”

About the Firm

Founded in 1995, Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C. is a full-service law firm located in Quincy committed to providing every client with personal attention and superior legal service at reasonable rates.

The firm’s attorneys provide legal advice and counsel to individuals, businesses and families throughout Quincy, Braintree, the South Shore and metro Boston areas.  Led by five partners with a combined 100+ years of experience, Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro’s 15 attorneys practice in the following areas: litigation, tax, trust and estate planning, real estate, zoning and land use, corporate law, finance, criminal defense, immigration law, election law, and divorce and family law.  Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro also offers a Speaker’s Bureau on topics of tax, estate planning, small business law and corporate law.

Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. is headquartered at 300 Crown Colony Drive, Suite 500 in Quincy, MA.  For more information, contact (781) 848-9610 or visit their website at http://www.bbb-lawfirm.com.

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